A new entrant in the Android gaming console market emerged today with PlayJam announcing the launch of a Kickstarter campaign to be able to start producing their take on the hardware, the GameStick. PlayJam indicates they are targeting a market price of only $79 for the GameStick. The device is very small, similar to a typical USB flash drive, and will plug directly into a TV’s HDMI slot to provide full 1080p video. Bluetooth is used to connect the GameStick’s controller to the device with PlayJam promising the ability to join other controllers, not limited to PlayJam’s own controllers, for multi-player functionality. When not in use, the “console” part can be stowed inside the controller for easy transport. As far as content, PlayJam indicates they are working with developers of the 700,000 Android games available to identify titles to be included in a customized app store for the device.

PlayJam hopes to start actual production in March 2013 and begin fulfilling customer orders in April 2013. To achieve that goal, they have started a 30-day Kickstarter project with a goal of $100,000. If you want to get in early, check out the source link below the full text of their press release and a short video.

GAMESTICK, THE WORLDS MOST PORTABLE TV GAMES CONSOLE CAMPAIGNS FOR CONSUMER SUPPORT ON KICKSTARTER

London & San Francisco;January 2nd, 2013; PlayJam,the global platform for casual and social games on Smart TV, launched its Kickstarter campaign today in a bid to bring its dedicated games console – GameStick – to life.

The team behind GameStick hope to accelerate the race to change the face of big screen gaming with the launch of the most portable, affordable, dedicated TV gaming device on the market priced at just $79.

GameStick is a small yet powerful, dedicated games console that plugs directly into a TV’s HDMI slot and comes with a fully featured Bluetooth controller – ready to go right out of the box. When on the move, the two combine into a single unit, putting big screen gaming right into the pocket. The device will be compatible with other Bluetooth controllers enabling true multi-player functionality.

“We wanted to create a games console that helped further our overriding mission to bring affordable gaming to the big screen”. Says Jasper Smith, CEO PlayJam. “Not only that, we wanted to push the boundaries of what has been achieved up to now bypacking sufficient power into the most portable of devices, enabling users to carry that experience with them wherever they go.”

The 30 day Kickstarter campaign launched today with the team at PlayJam looking to raise a minimum of $100,000 to help make GameStick a reality. Supporters of the project can get involved by pledging as little as $10.

“We are currently in a closed Beta phase of development with a working prototype that our guys are using to test some great games. Next comes the final design stage and live testing of both the controller and the games,” continues Smith. “We are fortunate to have been able to utilize our existing technology to get us to this point and have preferred manufacturers in place and an existing developer network ready to go. However, to get this project over the line and into full production, we need the support of the backers on Kickstarter.”

GameStick will feature a purpose-built game store through which users will be able to browse and download content. The proposition will be powered by PlayJam’s existing Games Network for Smart TV which currently supports developers such as Relentless Software, First Star Software, and Disney.

To date, the team has been focused on bringing GameStick to its pre-production phase by finalising hardware design and integrating the back end technology to power the service. They have worked with a small beta group of developers to announce the following initial line-up.

MYFC Manager

Developer Games

Madfinger Shadowgun and Dead Trigger

Hutch SmashCops

Supersecret Software Cannabalt

First Star Boulder Dash XL

FGOL Hungry Shark, Grabatron and Pool Bar

Relentless Software Quiz Climber and Blue Toad Murder Files

Sports Director

Now that the project is public, the team hopes to work with all Android developers looking to get their games onto the big screen. GameStick’s Bluetooth controller uses different modes to allow the gamer to access and play 100’s of compatible games directly onto their TV.

“To date, the most accessible route to TV gaming for the consumer has been the traditional games console – this is changing. GameStick gives the thousands of Android developers out there an additional route to bring an affordable big-screen gaming experience direct to their fans. What’s more, we wanted to do this via a unique, highly portable device that will enable pure social gaming – by that we mean people sharing great experiences in the same room!” Smith concluded.

Raised in North Carolina, Jeff Causey is a licensed CPA in North Carolina. Jeff's past Android devices include an HTC EVO, a Samsung Note II, and an LG G3, and a Motorola Moto X Pure Edition along with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet 10.1. He currently uses a Samsung Galaxy S8 and (very rarely) a Nexus 7 (2013). He is also using a Verizon-branded Motorola Moto Z Play Droid supplied by his job. Jeff used to have a pair of Google Glass and a Moto 360 Sport in his stable of gadgets. Unfortunately, his wife and kids have all drunk the Apple Kool-Aid and have i-devices. Life at home often includes demonstrations of the superiority of his Android based devices. In his free time, Jeff is active in his church, a local MINI Cooper car club, and his daughter's soccer club. Jeff is married, has three kids, and a golden retriever.